Photo credit: GMB Akash/Panos/Saferworld
Photo credit: GMB Akash/Panos/Saferworld

A message from the Chair of the Board, Jeremy Lester

In November 2019, we celebrate Saferworld’s 30th anniversary. As we reach that significant milestone, we have a chance to reflect on our achievements. Today, we are at the forefront of policy development and practice on conflict prevention and peacebuilding, strongly rooted in the lived experiences of the communities we work with – people who face conflict and insecurity every day. We know that we would not be the organisation we are today without the expertise, commitment and exceptional skills of our many partners, who are absolutely fundamental to our work, and who enable us to carry out our mandate of preventing violent conflict and building safer lives.

Over the past year, we have seen conflicts continue to destroy and disrupt people’s lives around the world. Those in power all too often give priority to costly military ‘solutions’ and disregard the rights of those affected. From conflict in Yemen and South Sudan to the unprecedented numbers of people displaced and on the move, communities continue to bear the brunt of decisions that are beyond their control. This is a challenging time, but in recent years there are also encouraging signs of progress towards peace.

In 2014, the Arms Trade Treaty, a global treaty regulating the international arms trade, entered into force. One year later, an ambitious set of global initiatives aiming to end poverty, reduce violence and address inequality – known as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – was adopted by the United Nations (UN). Among the goals is SDG16, which makes addressing conflict and building peace an explicit objective. Saferworld contributed substantially to these positive outcomes, and in 2018–19 we started to translate these global policies into effective change in communities.

In order to enhance our impact on global policy, in 2018–19, Saferworld pushed back on short-sighted responses to terrorism and migration, and advocated for the promotion of people’s security and justice across Africa, Asia and the Middle East.

Over the last year, peacebuilders have faced resistance, resource challenges and a political environment where the need for their work is increasing. In our advocacy work, Saferworld stands out for two reasons. The first is that our recommendations are grounded and led by the work we do in many of the most challenging environments. The second, thanks to the knowledge and passion of Saferworld staff and partners, is the outstanding quality of our research.

I wish to thank our staff, partners and the communities we work with, who, over the last 30 years, have given their time, energy and unwavering dedication to building peace and bringing positive change to people’s lives. I also want to thank our donors who have recognised Saferworld’s contribution and have given their moral and financial support to our efforts. Yes, we have made important inroads, but as we look to the future, we also know that the work of Saferworld and our partners is more crucial than ever as we rise to the challenges ahead.

Jeremy Lester, Chair of the Board of Trustees